Ireland look to build on the feel-good factor

AT least the smile has returned to the face of Irish rugby following Munster’s epic win over Toulouse on Saturday; now it’s up the national team to make it even broader over the next three weeks and restore the pride and passion to the Ireland shirt, starting tonight against the Barbarians in Gloucester’s Kingsholm ground.

What a difference eight months make. Post-World Cup gloom has been primarily by the provinces. Leinster’s journey to the summit of Magners League and subsequent coronation was followed last weekend by Munster’s second Heineken Cup triumph in two years. The mindset of the Leinster and Munster players (who join up tomorrow) must now be very positive as they return for national duty and they can certainly head Down Under not in hope but with the real expectancy of a first Test win in those parts since 1979.

While Munster players will be feted in their Cork home-coming tonight, an Ireland side stocked mainly by Leinster and Ulster players and finally and belatedly by London Irish’s Bob Casey, take to the field against a southern hemisphere-dominated XV made up by six South Africans, four Australians, two New Zealanders and two English players. And there may even be an appearance by All Black Jerry Collins off the bench. Collins announced his retirement from the game yesterday, though it is likely a few northern hemisphere clubs, including Munster, will try to change his mind over the coming weeks.